The following overview exclusively analyzes the standard costs of founding and maintaining a typical Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL) in Burundi, as of 2025. All data is sourced directly from authoritative government and institutional resources, allowing business founders and analysts to accurately benchmark statutory expenses in BIF (Burundian Franc).
Company Creation Costs in Burundi for 2025
Burundi provides moderate entry costs for SARL formation. Below, you will find a breakdown of the core setup expenses, alongside their amounts in Burundian Francs (BIF) and approximate USD equivalents (using 1 USD = 2850 BIF as an estimated rate):
| Cost Item | Amount (BIF) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 100,000 BIF | $35 |
| Registration fees (Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés) | 40,000 BIF | $14 |
| Publication fees (Journal Officiel) | 20,000 BIF | $7 |
| Notary fees | 30,000 BIF | $11 |
| Legal documentation and stamp duties | 20,000 BIF | $7 |
| Total Typical Creation Cost | 210,000 BIF | $74 |
With a total approximate formation expense of 210,000 BIF (about $74), Burundi positions itself as a jurisdiction with accessible up-front company establishment costs, particularly compared to many peers in the region.
Ongoing Annual Maintenance Costs for a SARL
Beyond the initial investment, Burundian companies should plan for yearly maintenance expenditures. These costs vary primarily depending on the scope of compulsory and optional accounting services utilized. For 2025, the expected range and contributing factors are summarized below:
| Annual Maintenance Item | Amount (BIF) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual declaration fees (Registre du Commerce) | 20,000 BIF | $7 |
| Mandatory accounting services (basic) | 20,000 BIF | $7 |
| Optional: Professional accounting services (full service) | 80,000 BIF | $28 |
Annually, the minimum statutory maintenance cost for a SARL is 40,000 BIF (about $14), rising up to 120,000 BIF ($42) if comprehensive external accounting services are selected. The choice of basic versus full-service accounting directly drives the range in yearly costs.
Summary Table: Company Creation and Maintenance Costs in Burundi (2025)
| Category | Cost Range (BIF) | Cost Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Average SARL Creation (One-off) | 210,000 BIF | $74 |
| Annual Maintenance | 40,000 – 120,000 BIF | $14 – $42 |
Official Sources for Company Cost Data
Pro Tips for Managing Company Setup and Running Costs
- Plan for all required setup and compliance expenses, not just minimum capital. Include registration, publication, and legal documentation in your budget.
- Consider whether you need full-service accounting each year or if basic statutory compliance is enough for your business activities. This can significantly reduce ongoing overhead.
- Always collect official receipts and record all statutory payments. This supports transparency during compliance checks and can help avoid late fees.
- Review government portals for any regulatory updates before forming a company to ensure there are no recent changes affecting costs or processes.
There are no hidden fees reported in the official data for 2025, and all requirements are well-documented. The most significant outlays at setup are the minimum capital and the government registration fees. Maintenance costs remain manageable for most small businesses, especially when opting out of premium accounting services. It is advisable to monitor government channels such as Guichet Public for any updates to legal obligations or statutory fee changes from year to year.